CAMBRIDGE, MA – This week physicist Dr. George H. Gebbins finally pinpointed the very beginning of what has been called The Big Bang Theory, thanks to the detection of essentially a beam of light that has been traveling the universe for years.

“I’ve been following The Big Bang Theory for some time now, since I first heard it discussed around the dinner table at Thanksgiving. However, it felt like no one had ever been able to pinpoint the origin, leaving its entire nature a mystery,” said Gebbins.

Gebbins was able to locate the “beam of light,” initially called “Pilot,” when it recently re-aired in syndication on basic cable channel TBS. “Pilot,” written by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, introduces brilliant but socially dysfunctional protagonists Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper. The episode covers their experience when beautiful and independent Penny moves in across the hall.

“Being able to see the first episode really helped me understand the nature of the entire Big Bang Theory,” Gebbins explained. “I figured Penny and Leonard were on-again, off-again from maybe childhood or teenage years, but being able to see the characters meet for the first time proved that the one thread through the show is their romance, just like Ross and Rachel on ‘Friends,’ and this way the show can be bookended and framed by their relationship.”

Despite the show’s multiple award wins and nominations, and its infiltration of popular culture with merchandise, catchphrases, and the rising stardom of its cast, Gebbins was unable to prove its validity without understanding its origin and direction.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always been a big supporter of the ‘Theory.’ But without evidence of its beginning, declarations of its quality and success are purely speculation and hypotheses. I finally have actual proof,” he continued.

Much like the little-understood scientific theory on the origin of the universe – for which the show is named – it began with an idea and exploded from there, rapidly expanding into the cultural zeitgeist to become one of the most popular shows currently on television.

However, Gebbins says he is “usually late to the party” when it comes to popular television shows, as his work at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics keeps him very busy.

Gebbins looks forward to the new episode of the show, which airs April 3rd on CBS.

I’m still trying to understand why the TV show is named “The Big Bang Theory.” Yes, that theory is part of physics and yes most of the characters are physicists, but that’s about the only connection I can see.